Obama's Pick for Commerce Post Raises Ethical Questions

President Obama's choice to help run export controls for the Commerce Department has reportedly also worked as an adviser to Fortune 500 companies, raising potential ethics concerns.

The Washington Times reported Thursday that Kevin J. Wolf, a lawyer and political supporter tapped by Obama for the post, has provided export advice to arms manufacturer Raytheon and aerospace company Boeing, among others.

The White House has touted Wolf's experience, but his legal work with such companies could present a host of ethical problems -- since the Obama White House prohibits certain political appointees from dealing with former employers and clients in some circumstances.

"Depending on his former clients, Mr. Wolf might have to recuse himself from many job duties and responsibilities in which they are involved," Scott Amey, general counsel for the nonpartisan Project on Government Oversight, told the newspaper.